Lead removal sleeve

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for removing an object, such as a lead, from formed tissue are provided. Specifically, a lead removal sleeve is configured to engage patient formed tissue at a dilation engagement point. The lead removal sleeve is configured to dilate the formed tissue around a lead, while providing an inner lumen with clearance for the lead to move within the sleeve. It is an object of the lead removal sleeve to support the formed tissue, and even forces of the formed tissue, with a structure of the sleeve as the lead is removed from a patient. The methods and systems are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/701,520, filed Sep. 14, 2012, entitled “TISSUE SEPARATING METHODS AND SYSTEMS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes.

This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, entitled, “Tissue Slitting Methods and Systems” (Attorney Docket No. 6593-208); Ser. No. ______, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, entitled, “Tissue Slitting Methods and Systems” (Attorney Docket No. 6593-251); Ser. No. ______, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, entitled, “Tissue Slitting Methods and Systems” (Attorney Docket No. 6593-252); Ser. No. ______, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, entitled, “Tissue Slitting Methods and Systems” (Attorney Docket No. 6593-253); and Ser. No. ______, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, entitled, “Expandable Lead Jacket” (Attorney Docket No. 6593-246). The entire disclosures of the applications listed above are hereby incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety, for all that they teach and for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to devices, methods and systems for removing an implanted object from a patient, and more specifically, to techniques for removing an electrical lead from tissue attached to a patient.

BACKGROUND

Cardiac pacing systems typically include a pacemaker and one or more leads, which are placed inside the body of a patient. The pacemaker includes a power source and circuitry configured to send timed electrical pulses to the lead. The lead carries the electrical pulse to the heart to initiate a heartbeat, and transmits information about the heart's electrical activity to the pacemaker. The lead can include a fixation mechanism that holds the lead to the cardiac tissue. In some cases, a lead is inserted through a vein or artery (collectively vasculature) and guided to the heart where it is attached. In other instances, a lead is attached to the outside of the heart. During its time in the body, tissue can attach to the lead in the form of lesions, adhesions or scar tissue, or tissue can encase a lead. In addition, the lead and/or tissue can become attached to the vasculature wall. At times, leads may be removed from patients for numerous reasons, including but not limited to, infections, lead age, and lead malfunction. Accordingly, removal or extraction of the lead may present associated complications.

Current lead extraction techniques include mechanical traction, mechanical devices, and laser devices. Mechanical traction can be accomplished by inserting a locking stylet into the hollow portion of the lead and then pulling the lead to remove it. An example of such a lead locking device is described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,167,315 to Coe et al., which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes. In some cases, dilating telescopic sheaths may also be used to strip away the scar tissue adhering the lead to the body. Examples of a such devices and methods used to extract leads is described and illustrated in United States Patent Publication No. 2008/0154293 to Taylor, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes.

Dilation techniques typically involve pushing tissue away from the lead when the sheath is pushed longitudinally along the lead. However, this pushing technique may be difficult to implement, particularly when the lead has a tortuous path or curvature because the requisite longitudinal forces to extract the tissue from the lead in under these circumstances increase. The longitudinal forces also may require heavy counter forces on the lead, which may result in lead breakage.

Some mechanical sheaths have proposed trigger mechanisms for extending a blade from a sheath. At least some of these devices, however, involve complicated activation mechanisms and may not be well suited for negotiating the tortuous paths that exist in certain vascular or physiological environments.

Laser devices typically employ laser energy to cut the scar tissue away from the lead thus allowing for removal. Examples of such laser devices and systems are described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,383,199 and 5,824,026 and 5,916,210 and 6,228,076 and 6,290,668 all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all that they teach and for all purposes.

Further complicating lead removal is the fact that in some cases, the leads may be located in, and/or attached to, the body of a patient in a structurally-weak portion of the vasculature. For instance, typical leads in a human may pass through the innominate vein, past the superior vena cava (“SVC”), and into the right atrium of the heart. A majority of tissue growth can occur along the SVC and other locations along the innominate vein where the leads make contact with the vein walls. However, tissue growth can also occur at locations within a patient where the leads make contact with arterials or other areas of the vasculature. Certain veins and arteries, and certain areas of vein and arterial walls, can be thin which can make lead removal a complicated and delicate process.

SUMMARY

A traditional approach to removing tissue from implanted leads is based on the presumption that the tissue growths are adhered directly to the surfaces of the implanted leads. As such, methods and systems have been designed to dislocate the connection between the tissue attached to the implanted device and the body of a patient. Although some tissue may remain on the lead, current methods focus on removing most of the tissue surrounding a circumference of the lead. In other words, while tissue may remain attached around the lead, current systems essentially core around this tissue surrounding the circumference of a lead to free the lead along with a section of the cored tissue to create slack for removing the lead from a patient.

Surprisingly and unexpectedly, it has been discovered that tissue growth may not adhere directly to the implanted lead but actually form a substantially cylindrical “tube” around the implanted substantially cylindrical lead at a given contact area. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the tissue growth typically does not physically adhere to the lead. For example, this tissue growth, once formed completely around a lead, forms a tubular-shaped member that essentially holds the lead and resists lead removal. The tubular-shaped section of formed tissue around an implanted device may impart a combination of connection forces/modes that prevent the removal of the device from a patient. For example, the tubular-shaped section of formed tissue, or tissue growth, may constrict, capture, and/or surround implanted leads. In some cases, the tissue growth may constrict a lead, especially if a force is applied to one end of the lead during a removal operation. In other cases, the tissue growth may capture the lead and prevent removal, by, among other things, being attached to the patient and the lead simultaneously. Additionally or alternatively, the tissue growth, during attempted lead removal, may at least partially adhere to the lead in one or more sections while completely forming around the lead.

Based upon the surprising and unexpected discovery that tissue growth may not be directly adhered to the implanted lead, alternative devices and methods may be used to extract an object from such tissue. In other words, methods and devices are disclosed herein, that are capable of exploiting the growth nature of the tissue around a lead to efficiently extract the lead from tissue that acts to hold the lead with some type of force. The tissue growth may form around the lead such that the lead is contained from free movement within a patient. For instance, the tissue growth may impart a clamping, or constrictive, force around the circumference of the lead that can prevent movement of the lead within this constrictive tissue growth. Due to the taught and constrictive nature of the tissue around the lead, the lead may be able to be removed without mechanically removing or laser ablating the entire tissue region surrounding the lead in a 360 degree, or circumferential, fashion. Rather, at least a portion of the tissue surrounding the lead may be dilated to reduce and/or eliminate forces preventing movement of the lead within a patient. In some cases, a lead removal sleeve, or structure, may be introduced over a lead and worked into an area between the tissue growth and the lead. The structure may be configured to dilate at least a portion of the tissue surrounding the lead. Additionally, the structure may be configured to provide support and/or clearance around a section of the lead. As can be appreciated, the support may maintain the tissue growth in a dilated state around a section of the lead, while the clearance may facilitate at least partially unrestricted movement and even subsequent removal of the lead from the patient. It is anticipated that the structure may include one or more features to control the support provided and/or the structure clearance for lead movement (e.g., ribs, various thicknesses, collapsing sections/points, coatings, films, jackets, and the like).

Once the tissue growth is dilated by, inter alia, a lead removal sleeve, subsequent movement of the lead relative to the section of tissue growth can be achieved using various lead removal techniques, including but not limited to, the use of traction applied to the lead, lead locking devices, snares, additional sheath and/or structure insertion, moving the lead within a lead removal sleeve, and the like.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device, method and/or system such as a device that includes a sleeve having an outer surface, a distal end, a proximal end, and an inner lumen running from the proximal to the distal end, wherein the sleeve facilitates the dilation of formed tissue surrounding a lead, and optionally a method and system capable of removing the lead from the formed tissue and/or sleeve that captures at least a portion of an implanted lead.

In an embodiment, a lead removal apparatus is provided comprising: a shaft, wherein the shaft is flexible, the shaft having at least one outer surface, a proximal and a distal end, and wherein the shaft includes an inner lumen running from the proximal to the distal end to receive at least one of an implanted object and a mechanical traction device; and a tissue dilating tip disposed adjacent to the distal end of the shaft, wherein the tissue dilating tip is configured to passively wedge into an area between a tissue growth and the implanted object, and wherein the at least one outer surface of the lead removal apparatus is configured to dilate the tissue growth about an area of the implanted object.

In another embodiment, a lead removal method is provided, the method comprising: engaging a lead removal apparatus over an implanted object in a patient; passively dilating a length of tissue growth surrounding the implanted object; and thereafter removing the implanted object from the tissue growth. In one embodiment, the passively dilating and thereafter removing steps may comprise the sub-steps: attaching a mechanical traction device to the implanted object; inserting the mechanical traction device into the lead removal apparatus, the lead removal apparatus further comprising: a flexible shaft, wherein the flexible shaft has a proximal and a distal end; an internal lumen, wherein the internal lumen is configured to allow at least one of an implanted object and mechanical traction device to pass therethrough; and a tissue dilating tip operatively connected to the distal end of the flexible shaft; applying a mechanical traction force to the mechanical traction device; indexing the lead removal apparatus to an engagement area of the tissue growth in contact with the implanted object; and moving the tissue dilating tip into the tissue growth, such that the tissue growth is dilated around the flexible shaft and dislocated from the implanted object at least at the engagement area with the tissue dilating tip.

In yet another embodiment, a system to remove a lead from a vascular lumen is provided, the system comprising: a lead locking device for locking onto a lead within the vascular lumen; a flexible shaft comprising: a proximal end; a distal end comprising a tip capable of passively dilating and directing tissue about a lead; and an internal lumen configured to allow at least one lead to pass therethrough, wherein the lead locking device holds the lead while the tip dilates tissue surrounding at least a portion of the lead.

The method can include the steps of inserting a lead removal sleeve in an area between an implanted object and at least a portion of a tissue growth at least substantially surrounding the implanted object in a patient and thereafter removing the implanted object. The lead removal sleeve can be inserted along an entire length of a tissue growth in an area between an implanted object and the tissue growth. In some cases, the lead removal sleeve may be inserted along only a partial length, not an entire length, of a tissue growth in an area between the implanted object and the tissue growth.

The lead removal sleeve may be manufactured as an extruded shape of substantially uniform cross-sectional area. Additionally or alternatively, the distal and or proximal end of the lead removal sleeve may be shaped to include a surface and/or geometry other than the substantially uniform cross-sectional area. For example, the lead removal sleeve may include a tissue dislocation, or dilation, tip disposed at or adjacent to the distal end of the sleeve. In some cases, the tissue dislocation tip may be configured to contact and direct at least a portion of tissue growth away from contacting a surface of an implanted lead. For instance, the tissue dislocation tip may be configured to wedge into an area between the tissue growth and an implanted lead. In one case, as the wedge is inserted into an area between the tissue growth and the implanted lead, the tissue may be caused to dilate about an outer surface of the lead removal sleeve. In other words, the tissue dislocation tip may be configured to “passively” wedge into the area between the tissue growth and the implanted lead, that is, without substantially cutting or disrupting the formation of the tissue growth. As can be appreciated, the tissue dislocation tip may include one or more of various shapes, thicknesses, hardnesses, materials, and the like.

Removal of the implanted lead from the formed tissue, or tissue growth, may be effected by creating clearance between the lead and the tissue growth. By dilating the formed tissue along an axial portion, or length, of the tissue in contact with the surgically implanted device or surgical implant, it is anticipated that the tissue may stretch around at least a portion of the outer surface of the lead removal sleeve. The outer surface of the lead removal sleeve acts to support the tissue growth in a dilated state. As such, the lead may move within the inner lumen of the lead removal sleeve without being subjected to any constriction forces subjected by the tissue growth. These and other needs are addressed by the various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the present disclosure. Also, while the disclosure is presented in terms of exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of the disclosure can be separately claimed.

The lead removal sleeve includes a flexible shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal lumen having an internal diameter configured to allow a lead, lead locking device, and/or other implanted device to pass through it. The sleeve may also include a tissue dislocation tip operatively coupled with the distal end of the flexible shaft. As can be appreciated, the dislocation and/or dilation of formed tissue can be performed by at least one of moving, directing, displacing, dilating, expanding, wedging, and combinations thereof. It is anticipated that the lead removal sleeve may be oriented within a patient via use of the flexible shaft and monitor, or a catheter-based system. In some cases, the lead removal sleeve may be positioned over an implanted lead, such that the tissue dislocation tip is caused to contact tissue growth in contact with the lead.

Among other things, the lead removal sleeve may be constructed such that the sleeve may wedge into an area between the tissue growth surrounding an implanted lead via a force transmitted along the flexible shaft. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible portion may be configured to allow the lead removal sleeve to move as directed within a patient.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. When each one of A, B, and C in the above expressions refers to an element, such as X, Y, and Z, or class of elements, such as X₁-X_(n), Y₁-Y_(m), and Z₁-Z_(o), the phrase is intended to refer to a single element selected from X, Y, and Z, a combination of elements selected from the same class (e.g., X₁ and X₂) as well as a combination of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g., Y₁ and Z_(o)).

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

The term “bioresorbable” may be used herein to refer to the property of a material manufactured to degrade, biodegrade, bioabsorb, dissolve, and/or be absorbed by a body. Bioresorbable materials may include, but are in no way limited to, iron, magnesium, metals, alloys thereof, polymers, amino-acid based polymers, polyester amides, silica composites, coatings, and combinations thereof. Bioresorbable materials may be controlled to degrade over a period of time by incorporating layers of materials and/or coatings in specific combinations. Such combinations may include constructing various material layers, including coatings, with known degradation rates in an order that may facilitate degradation over a designed time period.

A “lead” is a conductive structure, typically an electrically insulated coiled wire. The electrically conductive material can be any conductive material, with metals and intermetallic alloys common. The outer sheath of insulative material is biocompatible and biostable (e.g., non-dissolving in the body) and generally includes organic materials such as ultra high weight polyethylene, polyurethane, and polyimide. Lead types include, by way of non-limiting example, epicardial and endocardial leads. Leads are commonly implanted into a body percutaneously or surgically.

A “surgical implant” is a medical device manufactured to replace a missing biological structure, support, stimulate, or treat a damaged biological structure, or enhance, stimulate, or treat an existing biological structure. Medical implants are man-made devices, in contrast to a transplant, which is a transplanted biomedical tissue. In some cases implants contain electronics, including, without limitation, artificial pacemaker, defibrillator, electrodes, and cochlear implants. Some implants are bioactive, including, without limitation, subcutaneous drug delivery devices in the form of implantable pills or drug-eluting stents.

The term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112, Paragraph 6. Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.

It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every lower numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every higher numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification to illustrate several examples of the present disclosure. These drawings, together with the description, explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings simply illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the disclosure can be made and used and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure to only the illustrated and described examples. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following, more detailed, description of the various aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure, as illustrated by the drawings referenced below.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary patient vasculature in section with implanted lead and multiple locations of tissue growth in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A shows a detail section view of a patient vasculature and implanted lead subjected to a traction force in a first path in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B shows a detail section view of a patient vasculature and implanted lead subjected to a traction force in second path in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C shows a detail section view of a patient vasculature and implanted lead subjected to a traction force in third path in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a section view of a curved area of vasculature with tissue growth formed around an implanted lead in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the curved area of vasculature of FIG. 3 taken along line A-A;

FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of an area of vasculature with a lead removal sleeve introduced along an implanted lead in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of an area of vasculature with a lead removal sleeve engaging and dilating formed tissue surrounding an implanted lead in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of an area of vasculature with a lead removal sleeve dilating formed tissue along an entire length of the formed tissue surrounding an implanted lead in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5D shows a cross-sectional view of an area of vasculature with an implanted lead subjected to a removal force within an area of a lead removal sleeve dilating formed tissue along an entire length of the formed tissue in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5E shows a cross-sectional view of an area of vasculature with a lead removal sleeve in a tissue growth after a lead has been removed from the area in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5F shows a cross-sectional view of an area of vasculature with a lead removal sleeve within an area of a tissue growth where the sleeve is subjected to removal forces in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting a lead removal method in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to lead removal sleeves and methods of using lead removal sleeves to remove an implanted lead from within the vascular system of a patient. Among other things, the method of removing an implanted lead from formed tissue may include causing at least a partial dilation of tissue along an axial length of the implanted lead. In some embodiments, the tissue may be “passively” dilated and displaced (e.g., without cutting or otherwise disrupting the continuity of the tissue growth) by a lead removal sleeve along an entire length of the tissue growth to enable removal of the implanted lead. In other embodiments, the tissue may be dilated and displaced about a lead removal sleeve, where the lead removal sleeve provides support to maintain the tissue in a dilated state. Additionally or alternatively, the lead removal sleeve may provide clearance between the inner lumen of the sleeve and the lead to allow an implanted lead to be removed from a patient.

While the phrases “tissue displacing tip” or “tissue dilating tip” are used in this disclosure, it is not limited to an extruded shape of uniform cross-section. These phrases are further intended to encompass any modality for dilating or displacing tissue, including the various modalities discussed herein. Nonlimiting examples include not only a tapered area, point, or shaped end disposed at or near the distal end of the sleeve, but also a machined tip, formed tip, welded and/or tip otherwise connected to the flexible shaft of the lead removal sleeve.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary patient 102 with an implanted lead 104 running along the left innonimate vein 112 past the superior vena cava (“SVC”) 116 and connected into, or about, the right ventricle of the heart 106. Along the length of the lead 104 at least one formed tissue growth 108 is shown where the tissue 108 may completely surround a section of the lead 104. In a typical lead 104 explant procedure, the one or more of the tissue growths 108 may act to contain the lead 104. For example, the tissue 108 may impart one or more forces (e.g., constrictive, shear, compression, and the like) on the lead 104 that may act to prevent successful removal of the lead 104 when subjected to a traction force 120.

FIGS. 2A-C show examples of an implanted lead 104 subjected to a traction force via different paths in a patient 102 vasculature. Accordingly, the methods and/or devices disclosed in conjunction with any of the FIGS. 2A-C may equally apply to all instances disclosed.

FIG. 2A shows a detail view of a heart 106 having an implanted lead 104 subjected to a traction force 120 in a first path in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a lead 104 explant procedure may involve removing the lead from a patient 102 via one or more paths. For example, a lead-locking, or other traction, device may be engaged with the lead 104 and then used to pull the lead 104 from a patient. However, in some cases the lead 104 may be contained by a formed tissue growth 108 that resists the traction force 120 applied to the lead 104. As can be appreciated, subjecting the lead 104 to excessive traction forces 120 may cause a tear inside the patient 102 where the tissue is attached to the vasculature. In one example, a tissue growth 108 may form along a critical area of the vasculature, such as the SVC curve 116, of a patient. If this critical area is torn during a lead 104 explant procedure, the result can be fatal to the patient 102.

Complicating the lead 104 removal process is the fact that the tissue growth 108 surrounding a lead 104 may attach to a vessel in a curved portion of the vasculature. Removal of the lead 104 from such a curved portion of vasculature can present a challenge when introducing tissue removal devices alone or in conjunction with traction devices. In some cases, the tissue removal devices include sharp edges, aggressive tips, or imprecise actuation mechanisms that can puncture the thin walls of a patient 102 vasculature. It is an aspect of the present disclosure to orient any sharp edge of a tissue dislocation tip associated with a lead removal sleeve adjacent to the unconnected, or tissue free, side 124 of a vessel wall. This orientation can prevent puncture and/or damage occurring to the vasculature at the tissue connected side 128 of the vessel wall.

Referring now to FIG. 2B a detail section view of a patient vasculature and implanted lead 104 subjected to a traction force 120 in second path in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some instances, at least one end of the lead 104 may be directed inside a patient 102 for removal via a path within the vasculature. Direction of the lead 104 may be effected via a snaring tool, lead-locking device, traction device, combinations thereof, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2B, the lead 104 is directed toward the general direction of a patient's femoral artery via the inferior vena cava. The lead 104 may be directed in the manner shown to provide additional tearing forces on the tissue growth 108 by the lead 104 being subjected to a traction force 120. In one embodiment, a lead removal sleeve may be run along the lead 104 to the tissue growth 108 via the femoral artery.

In some embodiments, the lead 104 may be captured and pulled such that the pull force causes the lead 104 to turn inside a patient 102. This mode of capture and pulling may cause a bending at a first connection point between the tissue growth 108 and the lead 104. When the lead removal sleeve is engaged with the tissue growth 108, the assistive bending force provided by the traction force 120 can aid in dilating the tissue growth 108. For instance, the bending force may cause a stretching of the tissue growth 108 where the lead engages with the tissue growth 108. This stretching of tissue may assist in the dilating operation by causing tension on the fibers of the tissue growth 108 that provide a greater area for introduction of a lead removal sleeve. As can be expected, the dilating operation may be performed in any area within a patient that is capable of receiving a lead removal sleeve.

FIG. 2C shows a detail section view of a patient vasculature and implanted lead 104 subjected to a traction force 120 in third path in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Similar to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the lead 104 may be directed along a path in the patient vasculature. In this case, the lead 104 may be directed toward the general direction of a patient's jugular vein.

As can be appreciated, the path chosen for removal of a lead 104 from a patient 102 may depend on one or more of the orientation of the lead 104 within a patient 102, the state of the at least one tissue growth 108 and the lead removal device used. In some cases, the lead 104 (e.g., pacing, defibrillator, etc.), or other object, may have moved after implantation. In these scenarios, the lead 104 may have to be captured via some other method. In some embodiments, a capturing tool equipped with a lasso, snare, or other lead grasping element may need to be inserted into the patient 102. As can be expected, the capturing tool may be inserted into the patient 102 via any number of the veins and/or arteries that are interconnected to the lead 104 location in the vasculature. For example, the lead 104 may be grasped via a capturing tool that has been inserted through a patient's femoral artery and led to the point of the vasculature where the lead's 104 free end may be located.

In some embodiments, rather than attach a separate mechanical traction device, the capturing tool may be used to provide traction force 120 during the tissue dilation operation. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the lead may be grasped via a capturing tool, or lead-locking device, and/or removed via some other pathway in the vasculature. In other words, the lead may be accessed via one or more veins, arteries, chambers, biological channels, and/or other sections of the vasculature of a patient 102.

FIG. 3 shows a section view of a curved area of vasculature with tissue growth 108 formed around an implanted lead 104 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The tissue growth 108 may completely surround a section of the lead 104 and even be attached to a vessel wall at a tissue connected side 128 of the vasculature. In some cases, the tissue growth 108 may not be adhered to at least one free side 124 of a vessel, such that a vessel opening 126 exists where bodily fluid may pass through the vessel unobstructed. Surprisingly and unexpectedly, it has been discovered that the tissue growth 108, before attempted lead extraction, is commonly at least substantially free of and even more commonly completely free of attachment to the lead 104.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the curved area of vasculature of FIG. 3 taken along line A-A. In some embodiments, reference may be made to the tissue growth 108 forming a tube 132 (or cylindrical or sock-like structure) around the implanted lead 104. Previous methods have been disclosed that are directed to separating the tissue around the lead 104 in the area defined by the tube 132.

FIGS. 5A-F show a cross-section of a vessel where a lead removal sleeve 504 is progressively engaged with a tissue growth 108 for lead 104 removal. As shown, the lead removal sleeve 504 causes a section of the tissue growth 108 to dilate around at least a portion of the lead 104 allowing the forces containing the lead 104 to be directed to a structure 506 of the lead removal sleeve 504. An implanted lead 104 may be removed from the vasculature through the lead removal sleeve 504. Additionally or alternatively, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be removed from the vasculature.

Referring to FIG. 5A a cross-sectional view of an area of vasculature with a lead removal sleeve 504 introduced therein in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The lead removal sleeve 504 includes a flexible shaft having a proximal and a distal end, an inner lumen 510 running from the proximal to the distal end, and a tissue dislocation tip 508 disposed at or near the distal end of the shaft that is configured to dilate at least a portion of tissue growth 108 formed around an area of an implanted lead 104. As can be appreciated, the tissue dislocation tip 508 may be the distal end of the shaft and/or operatively attached adjacent to the distal end of the shaft. In some embodiments, the inner lumen 510 may include an internal diameter configured to allow a lead, lead locking device, and/or other implanted device to pass through it.

In another embodiment, a lead removal sleeve 504 may be configured to work into an area between a tissue growth 108 and a lead 104. It is anticipated that the geometry of the lead removal sleeve 504 and/or the tissue dislocation tip 508 may allow the lead removal sleeve 504 to be worked into this area. For instance, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be constructed with a thin wall between the inner lumen 510 and an outer surface of the structure 506 of the lead removal sleeve 504. An example of this thin wall may include a thickness range from 0.005″ to 0.1875.″ In some embodiments, the thickness may vary at the tissue dislocation tip 508, such that a thickness at the tip 508 is less than a thickness along another portion of the lead removal sleeve 504 proximal to the tissue dislocation tip 508. This variation in thickness may act to wedge the tissue dislocation tip 508 into the area between the tissue growth 108 and the lead 104. Depending on the tissue growth 108, various thicknesses may be required to work into an area between the tissue growth 108 and the lead 104. Tougher tissue growths 108 may require a thinner wall thickness of the lead removal sleeve 504, while softer tissue growths 108 may allow for a greater wall thickness of the lead removal sleeve 504. The lead removal sleeve 504, and/or its constituent parts, may be manufactured from any plastic, metal, resin, composite material, and/or combinations thereof disclosed herein. For example, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be manufactured from the same material as the inner lumen 510 and vice versa. In some embodiments, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be manufactured as a single extruded piece, as a tri-coil assembly, and even as a combination of various components.

In one embodiment, the tissue dislocation tip 508 may be oriented such that a leading edge may be presented to a section of tissue growth 108 between the lead 104 and the open area 126 of a vessel. Orientation of the lead removal sleeve 504 may be achieved in operation via a fluoroscopy and/or other monitoring devices and the use of one or more radiopaque markers on the lead removal sleeve 504. Additionally or alternatively, an orientation of the lead removal sleeve 504 may be achieved via a monitoring device operatively attached to the lead removal sleeve 504. In some embodiments, the monitoring device may be operatively attached to the distal end of the lead removal sleeve 504. Once the lead removal sleeve 504 is oriented, the lead removal sleeve 504 may contact the tissue growth 108 at an engagement area 516.

FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of an area of vasculature with a lead removal sleeve 504 engaging formed tissue 108 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The lead removal sleeve 504 may be pushed, indexed, and/or gradually rotated into the formed tissue 108. The directional force 518 may be applied to the lead removal sleeve 504 via one or more mechanical actuators, electrical actuators, manual positioning, and combinations thereof. As the lead removal sleeve 504 engages the tissue growth 108 the tissue dislocation tip 506, may dilate the tissue growth 108 by dislocating, expanding, stretching, parting, and/or otherwise causing a separation of tissue 520 at the engagement area 516. In some embodiments, as the lead removal sleeve 504 is engaged with the tissue growth 108, the separation of tissue 520 redirects forces (e.g., clamping, constricting, compression, etc.) subjected to the lead 104 by the tissue growth 108 to be directed to an outer surface associated with the flexible shaft 506.

FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of an area of vasculature with a lead removal sleeve 504 dilating a complete length of a tissue growth 108 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5C, the tissue growth 108 is dilated by the lead removal sleeve 504 along a section of the lead 104. In some embodiments, a structure 506 of a lead removal sleeve 504 may provide support to maintain the tissue growth 108 in a dilated state. Additionally or alternatively, the inner lumen 510 of the lead removal sleeve 504 may provide clearance for the lead 104 to move relative to the tissue growth 108 and the lead removal sleeve 504.

FIG. 5D shows a cross-sectional view of an area of vasculature with an implanted lead 104 subjected to a removal force 522. As can be appreciated, the lead 104 may create a tunnel, through which, the lead 104 may be moved (e.g., removed from a patient and/or tissue growth 108). The tunnel provided by the lead removal sleeve 504 may prevent forces from the tissue growth 108 from acting on the lead 104. In some embodiments, the inner lumen 510 of the lead removal sleeve 504 may be configured with a low-friction surface for an implanted lead 104, lead-locking device, and/or other object to move along. It is anticipated that the low-friction surface may prevent the lead from adhering to the inner lumen 510. Examples of low-friction surfaces of the inner lumen 510 may include, but are not limited to, a manufactured shape (e.g., smooth, uninterrupted, sinusoidal, undulated, etc.), a material with a low coefficient of friction (e.g., polytetrafluroethylene (“PTFE”), fluropolymer, polymers, plastics, resins, metal alloy, steel alloy, etc.), a lining, a deposited film, rollers, liquid bearing, polished material, and the like. In one embodiment, the low-friction surface may include a surface with a coefficient of friction (“μ”) less than 1. In other words, a force required to slide an object along a low-friction surface having a μ<1, is less than the normal force of the object acting against the low-friction surface.

FIG. 5E shows a cross-sectional view of an area of vasculature with a lead removal sleeve 504 in a tissue growth 108 after a lead 104 has been removed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the lead removal sleeve 504 may continue to dilate the tissue growth 108 even after a lead 104 has been removed. The lead removal sleeve 504 may be configured and/or allowed to remain inside the vasculature of a patient 102. In one instance, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be manufactured from or include at least one bioresorbable material. As such, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be left inside of a patient 102 to degrade and/or be absorbed by the patient 102 over time. In an alternative embodiment, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be manufactured from a non-bioresorbable material, where the sleeve 504 is left inside a patient without appreciably degrading over time. It is anticipated that the non-bioresorbable material of the lead removal sleeve may be manufactured from a biocompatible material configured to remain inside a patient 102 indefinitely. Alternatively, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be subsequently removed from the vasculature of the patient 102.

FIG. 5F shows a cross-sectional view of an area of vasculature with a lead removal sleeve 504 within an area of a tissue growth 108 where the sleeve 504 is subjected to removal forces in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The lead removal sleeve 504 may be pulled from a tissue growth 108 in a removal direction 526. In some embodiments, as the lead removal sleeve 504 is pulled (e.g., via a removal force) from a tissue growth 108, one or more forces subjected to an outer diameter of the sleeve 504 may cause the sleeve 504 to radially collapse. In another embodiment, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be subjected to a twisting removal force to collapse the sleeve 504. It is anticipated that the twisting removal force may be in a rotational direction about an axis running along the lead removal sleeve. For example, the twisting force may cause the lead removal sleeve 504 to reduce an inner and outer overall diameter of the sleeve 504 such that forces subjected to the lead via a tissue growth 108 are reduced and/or eliminated. Additionally or alternatively, the lead removal sleeve 504 may include one or more stress concentration areas, and/or collapsible sections, that may be configured to collapse along a given section, area, point, and/or line. As can be appreciated, the one or more stress concentration areas and/or collapsible sections may collapse when subjected to a specific force or combination of forces.

In one embodiment, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be collapsed along its length in a direction 524 toward an axis running along the length of the sleeve 504. Additionally or alternatively, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be configured to collapse along a section of the sleeve structure 506. In an embodiment, it is anticipated that the lead removal sleeve 504 may include at least one weakened, or reduced thickness, area along a length of the structure 506.

In any of the collapsing embodiments disclosed herein, it is anticipated that the collapsing of a section of the lead removal sleeve 504 will allow a dilated section 520 of the tissue growth 108 to remain dilated about the lead removal sleeve 504. As such, any forces subjected to the structure 506 of the uncollapsed sleeve 504 will be at least temporarily reduced on the collapsed sleeve. This temporary reduction in forces may allow the lead removal sleeve 504 to be removed from the tissue growth 108 by subjecting the sleeve 504 to a removal force.

Referring to FIG. 6, a lead removal method 600 will be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 600 starts at 604 and begins by connecting a lead-locking device or other traction device to the lead 104 (step 608). In some embodiments, the lead-locking device may be inserted into the core of an implanted lead 104. In other embodiments, a traction device may be connected to the lead 104 to provide traction on the lead 104. For instance, mechanical traction can be achieved in leads 104 by inserting a locking stylet into the lead 104 and applying a pull force onto the lead 104 via the locking stylet. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to support the lead removal sleeve 504 and/or lead locking device with another structure. For instance, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be inserted into a support catheter. The support catheter may be inserted adjacent to the tissue growth 108 and may be configured to at least partially contain and/or restrain movement associated with the lead removal sleeve 504. In one embodiment, the support catheter may include a vacuum system that may be configured to direct a vacuum force to an outer diameter of the lead removal sleeve 504. The vacuum system may be selectively operated to allow free movement and/or restrict movement based on an unapplied vacuum and an applied vacuum, respectively. In some embodiments, the vacuum may be contained adjacent to an inner diameter of the support catheter.

Once a traction device is attached to the lead 104, the traction device can be threaded through the internal, or inner, lumen 510 of a lead removal sleeve 504 (step 612). For example, the lead-locking device may be inserted through the lumen in an implanted lead 104 and attached to the internal portions of the implanted lead 104, which can be at the distal portion or proximal to the distal portion of the lead 104. The lead removal sleeve 504 may ride over an external portion of the lead 104 and lead-locking device and may be configured to dilate tissue growths 108 along an axial length of the tissue 108 in contact with the lead 104.

As the lead removal sleeve 504 is engaged with the lead 104, a slight traction force may be applied to the lead 104 to allow the lead removal sleeve 504 to guide along the lead 104 (step 616). The lead removal sleeve 504 can be moved toward a first formed tissue growth 108 while applying a mechanical traction force to the lead 104 itself or through a locking stylet, or other traction device. Mechanical traction force should be applied with appropriate force to prevent tearing a vein or artery wall by moving the lead 104 and tissue 108 before they are dislocated. In some embodiments, the lead removal sleeve may be observed moving inside a patient 102 via a fluoroscope or other monitor. It is anticipated that the tissue dislocation tip 508, or some other area, of the lead removal sleeve may include a fluorescing material or marker (e.g., radiopaque band, and the like). This fluorescing material or marker may be used to aid in monitoring the movement of the lead removal sleeve when it is inside a patient 102. Additionally or alternatively, the lead removal sleeve 504 may include a monitoring system disposed at or adjacent to the distal end of the sleeve 504 to determine a location of the sleeve and/or the tissue dislocation tip inside a patient 102.

Next, the sleeve 504 is moved into contact with the formed tissue growth 108 (step 620). In some embodiments, a sharp, tapered, or leading edge of the tissue dislocation tip 508 of the lead removal sleeve 504 may be oriented toward the center of the vein, or away from the vein wall connecting the lead 104 to the vein. In addition to preventing accidental puncture, trauma, or other damage to the delicate surfaces of the vasculature this orientation of the tissue dislocation tip 508 may aid in safely actuating the sleeve 504 and dilating the tissue 108 about the implanted lead 104. For example, a lead removal sleeve 504 may include a tissue dislocation tip 508 with a wedge and/or tapered portion adjacent to the distal end of the sleeve 504. It is anticipated that this tissue dislocation tip 508 may be configured to wedge into an area between the tissue growth 108 and a lead. As the lead removal sleeve 504 traverses along the lead 104, the tissue dislocation tip 508 continues to dilate the tissue growth 108. Additionally the leading portion, which may include a wedge and/or tapered portion, can act to cause a stretching of the formed tissue growth 108 at the point where it engages with the tissue dislocation tip 508. This stretching of tissue may assist in the actuating the lead removal sleeve further into the tissue growth 108. In addition, the stretching of tissue may aid in redirecting forces created by the tissue growth 108 from contacting the lead 104 to contacting the structure of the sleeve 504.

Once the tissue dislocation tip is engaged with, and/or dilating, the formed tissue 108, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be actuated and moved along the lead 104 to further engage with the tissue growth 108. In some embodiments, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be indexed forward (into the tissue formation 108) continuously or periodically. In other embodiments, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be repeatedly indexed into and removed from the engagement area of the formed tissue growth 108. It is anticipated that each time the lead removal sleeve 504 is indexed into the engagement area the sleeve 504 can dilate a successively longer section of the formed tissue 108. Indexing the sleeve 504 along the lead 104 and into a tissue growth 108 may require a rotational movement of the sleeve 504 about an axis running from the proximal to the distal end of the sleeve 504. In some cases, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be worked into an area between the tissue growth 108 and the lead 104 by rotating and translating the sleeve 504.

The method 600 may be continued by determining whether a traction force applied to the lead 104 moves the lead 104 relative to the tissue growth 108 and/or the lead removal sleeve 504 (step 624). In the event that the lead 104 is determined to move such that it may be removed from the patient, the method may continue at step 632. If it is determined, however, that the lead 104 does not move sufficiently relative to the tissue growth 108 and/or the lead removal sleeve 504, the method may continue at step 628.

In some cases, the lead removal sleeve 504 may need to be worked through an entire length of a tissue growth 108 and/or worked through more than one tissue growth 108 such that the lead 104 may be removed from a patient 102 (step 628). Accordingly, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be indexed through one or more tissue growths 108 until it is determined (at step 624) that the lead 104 can be moved/removed.

Once the lead is determined to move relative to the tissue growth 108 and/or lead removal sleeve 504, the method may continue at step 632 by removing the lead 104 from the patient 102 (step 632). Additionally or alternatively, once the tissue growth(s) have been dilated, the lead 104 may be removed by applying a pull force to the lead-locking device in the same direction as the mechanical traction force previously applied to the lead 104. It is anticipated that any movement of the lead removal sleeve 504 may be accompanied by an applied mechanical traction force to the lead 104/lead-locking device.

In some embodiments, the method 600 may continue by removing the lead removal sleeve 504 from the patient 102 (step 636). Otherwise, the method 600 ends at step 640. As disclosed herein, a lead removal sleeve 504 may be removed from a patient 102 via collapsing an area of the structure 506 of the lead removal sleeve 504. In one embodiment, the lead removal sleeve 504 may be twisted about an axis running along the sleeve 504. As the sleeve 504 is twisted, an inner and/or outer diameter associated with the sleeve 504 may be caused to reduced in diameter. This reduction in diameter may reduce forces subjected to the sleeve 504 via the tissue growth 108. In one embodiment, it is anticipated that the tissue growth 108 surrounding a twisted sleeve 504 may remain in a temporarily dilated state after the sleeve 504 is collapsed. This temporarily dilated state of the tissue growth 108 may allow for removal of the lead removal sleeve 504 by subjecting the lead removal sleeve 504 to a directional removal force configured to dislocate a position of the sleeve 504 (e.g., pulling the sleeve 504 from the patient 102).

Embodiments of the present disclosure anticipate using a mechanical collapse structure to remove the sleeve 504 from a patient 102. For instance, the lead removal sleeve 504 may incorporate one or more mechanical elements, such as, cams, wires, coils, removable strips, combinations thereof, and the like to facilitate a mechanical collapse of the structure 506 of the sleeve 504. Once the sleeve structure 506 is collapsed it may be removed from a patient 102 in a similar manner as disclosed above. The method 600 ends at step 640.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

Presented herein are embodiments of a lead removal sleeve, system, and method. As described herein, the device(s) may be electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, and/or combinations thereof.

Also, while the flowcharts have been discussed and illustrated in relation to a particular sequence of events, it should be appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions to this sequence can occur without materially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments, configuration, and aspects.

A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others. By way of illustration, any methodology or modality of dislocating and/or dilating tissue may be employed as described herein to effect lead removal from an encased tissue growth.

The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Summary for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Summary, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, though the description has included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A lead removal apparatus comprising: a shaft, wherein the shaft is flexible, the shaft having at least one outer surface, a proximal and a distal end, and wherein the shaft includes an inner lumen running from the proximal to the distal end to receive at least one of an implanted object and a mechanical traction device; and a tissue dilating tip disposed adjacent to the distal end of the shaft, wherein the tissue dilating tip is configured to passively wedge into an area between a tissue growth and the implanted object, and wherein the at least one outer surface of the lead removal apparatus is configured to dilate the tissue growth about an area of the implanted object.
 2. The lead removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one outer surface is configured to prevent constrictive forces of the tissue growth from acting upon the implanted object in the inner lumen of the lead removal apparatus.
 3. The lead removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tissue dilating tip includes an undulated surface at the distal end of the shaft.
 4. The lead removal apparatus of claim 3, wherein the undulated surface is disposed at least partially around a circumference of the distal end of the shaft.
 5. The lead removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tissue dilating tip includes a flat surface at the distal end of the shaft.
 6. The lead removal apparatus of claim 5, wherein the flat surface is disposed at an angle to the distal end of the shaft.
 7. The lead removal apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an angled portion of the shaft, wherein the angled portion is disposed at the distal end of the shaft, the angled portion arranged such that a first thickness of the distal end of the shaft is less than a second thickness of a section of the shaft that is proximal to the distal end.
 8. The lead removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner lumen includes a polytetrafluroethylene (“PTFE”) surface.
 9. The lead removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shaft is made from one or more of PTFE, metal, polymers, and extruded plastic.
 10. The lead removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is made using at least one bioresorbable material.
 11. The lead removal apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one bioresorbable material includes one or more of iron, magnesium, metal alloy, polymer, amino-acid based polymer, polyester amide, silica composite, coatings, and layers.
 12. The lead removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is made using at least one biocompatible material.
 13. The lead removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one biocompatible material includes one or more of ultra high weight polyethylene (“UHMW”), polyurethane, and polyimide.
 14. The lead removal apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a collapsible section operatively attached to a section of the flexible shaft, wherein the collapsible section is configured to collapse a structure associated with the lead removal apparatus when subjected to at least one collapsing force.
 15. A lead removal method, the method comprising: engaging a lead removal apparatus over an implanted object in a patient; passively dilating a length of tissue growth surrounding the implanted object; and thereafter removing the implanted object from the tissue growth.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the passively dilating and thereafter removing steps comprise the sub-steps: attaching a mechanical traction device to the implanted object; inserting the mechanical traction device into the lead removal apparatus, the lead removal apparatus further comprising: a flexible shaft, wherein the flexible shaft has a proximal and a distal end; an internal lumen, wherein the internal lumen is configured to allow at least one of an implanted object and mechanical traction device to pass therethrough; and a tissue dilating tip operatively connected to the distal end of the flexible shaft; applying a mechanical traction force to the mechanical traction device; indexing the lead removal apparatus to an engagement area of the tissue growth in contact with the implanted object; and moving the tissue dilating tip into the tissue growth, such that the tissue growth is dilated around the flexible shaft and dislocated from the implanted object at least at the engagement area with the tissue dilating tip.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein prior to indexing the lead removal apparatus to the engagement area, the method further comprises: orienting the tissue dilation tip to dilate tissue along a free length of the tissue growth where the tissue growth is free from attachment to a portion of vasculature of the patient.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein orienting the tissue dilation tip further comprises: aligning the tissue dilating tip along an area of the free length of the tissue growth wherein a thickness of the first section of the tissue growth surrounding the implanted object is less than a thickness of a second section of the tissue growth surrounding the implanted object, and wherein the second length of the tissue growth is attached to the vasculature of the patient.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: determining whether the implanted object can be moved relative to the tissue growth surrounding the implanted object; and moving the tissue dilation tip further into the tissue growth to dilate any tissue growth determined to restrict movement of the implanted object.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: actuating the tissue dilation tip once the lead removal apparatus is indexed to the engagement area of the tissue growth in contact with the implanted object, wherein the actuation causes the tissue dilation tip to one or more of wedge into an area between the tissue growth and the implanted object and dilate the tissue growth about the flexible shaft.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the lead removal apparatus further comprises a collapsing section operatively attached to a section of the flexible shaft, and wherein the collapsing section is inserted into an area between the tissue growth and the implanted object.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: applying a collapsing force to the collapsing section of the flexible shaft, wherein the collapsing force reduces at least one diameter associated with the collapsing section; and removing the lead removal apparatus from the tissue growth.
 23. The method of claim 16, wherein prior to applying the mechanical traction force to the mechanical traction device, the method further comprises: inserting the lead removal apparatus into a support catheter, wherein the support catheter is configured to selectively restrict movement of the lead removal apparatus.
 24. A system to remove a lead from a vascular lumen, the system comprising: a lead locking device for locking onto a lead within the vascular lumen; a flexible shaft comprising a proximal end; a distal end comprising a tip capable of passively dilating and directing tissue about a lead; and an internal lumen configured to allow at least one lead to pass therethrough, wherein the lead locking device holds the lead while the tip dilates tissue surrounding at least a portion of the lead.
 25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the tip further comprises a wedge operatively connected to the distal end, wherein the wedge tapers from a first width at a distal end to a second width proximal to the distal end, and wherein the second width is greater than the first width.
 26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the wedge is configured to contact the tissue and displace the tissue about the flexible shaft.
 27. The system according to claim 24, further comprising: a support catheter, wherein the support catheter is configured to selectively restrict movement of the flexible shaft, and wherein the support catheter includes an internal structure configured to receive at least one of the flexible shaft and the lead locking device.
 28. The system according to claim 24, wherein the lead locking device is configured to lock onto an internal structure of the lead.
 29. The system according to claim 24, wherein the lead locking device is configured to lock onto an external structure of the lead. 